The Good News Economist Wrap-up

• Consumer, Investor Confidence Continue Their Surge Higher

  "The Rasmussen Consumer Index, which measures consumer confidence on a daily basis, jumped five points on Saturday to its highest level of 2009. "

• Obama Sees Glimmers of Economic Hope on Good Friday

  "President Obama said Friday that the nation's economy is showing signs of progress as a series of his policies begin to come on line."

• Thursday's String of Positives Leads Wall Street To Good Friday

  Thursday started with a story in the NY Times. According to sources close to the ongoing "stress testing" of the top 19 banks, the banks really aren't as stressed as many had feared.

• More Real Estate Hope

  We have now had a string of encouraging news on the housing recovery.
  

• Sales at Wholesalers Rise

  "Sales at U.S. wholesalers rose in February for the first time in eight month.
  

• The Silver Lining in Aluminum

  Alcoa (AA) kicked off earnings season. It's clear that Q1 is a bridging quarter for a much better 2009.
  

• 10 Top Earners in each Segment will Fuel the Rally

  As we enter the season when companies report their Q1 earnings, many assume that earnings for the first quarter of 2009 will be disappointing. But the reality is that currently the market is looking for news that is "not as bad as expected."